Ford Mondeo Hatchback (07 on) - Review Review by Simon Harris on 26 April 2007 Last Updated: 21 February 2011 This is the third generation of the Ford Mondeo Hatchback. It’s also the largest, most comfortable, and best equipped version yet, with a model to suit most buyers. The entry level cars are the best large hatchbacks you can buy and far superior to the Vauxhall Vectra and Renault Laguna. Overlook the Ford badge and the top-range models rival prestige cars such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in terms of build quality and driving experience. Prices have actually come down for this generation of Mondeo, despite the fact that it's better equipped, safer and bigger than before. The flipside to this is that the huge discounts that were previously available will now be much more difficult to come by because Ford reduced the list prices. This car is far better to drive than before and is now a genuine competitor in the handling stakes for its predominantly rear-wheel-driven and predominantly German rivals. It feels very ‘premium’ in the cabin too, further adding to the prestige appeal that Ford buyers expect nowadays. Cabin refinement has taken a leap forward, and driving the Mondeo is a comfortable and quiet experience. It’s the perfect motorway cruiser, which is why the car is so popular with company car drivers too. There’s a range of low-CO2, high MPG diesel engines alongside some more powerful petrol offerings if you fancy performance instead of petrol-saving. In 2010 the Mondeo received a little cosmetic surgery. The most noticeable part of this refresh is the new nose-job. The front end has had a complete overhaul, and this includes an enlarged lower grille and a smaller upper grille, while the rear receives new LED tail-lights, an all-new bumper, a reshaped valance and an integrated rear spoiler. The interior has also had a little nip-and-tuck. There’s now a one-piece central console which is soft to touch and the plastics are of a higher quality. More kit is offered as standard including blind-spot alerts, lane-departure steering-wheel vibrators, an alertness assessor, rear-view camera, automatic headlight dipping, speed limiter and LED daytime running lights. Read on to find out why the Mondeo has its German rivals in its sights in our full and comprehensive Ford Mondeo hatchback review. 5 out of 5 Other Ford reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 4.5 out of 5 Performance The Ford Mondeo hatchback performance is on par with much of the competition. Engines on sale from its launch in June 2007 are a 1.6-litre petrol with either 110bhp or 125bhp, a 2.0-litre with 145bhp, a 160bhp 2.3-litre and a 220bhp turbocharged 2.5-litre. The excellent diesel range includes a 1.8 TDCi with 125bhp and a 2.0-litre TDCi with 130bhp or 140bhp. The 2.0-litre TDCi diesel is a great all-rounder with enough go for when you want it and impressive fuel economy when you don’t - punchy and responsive when pushed it's equally refined and relaxed when cruising on the motorway, plus it will return 48mpg. The 2.5-litre turbocharged unit is equally good with a great engine note and incredible response from low revs. However, if you want strong pace but acceptable running costs, a 2.2 TDCi was launched in May 2008. It produces 175bhp and as a result is only a second slower from 0-62mph than the 2.5T, but on the move feels just as rapid and refined. If you're after an eco-friendly model there's the ECOnetic model which is available as a hatch or estate. Powered by a tweaked version of the 1.8 TDCi engine it's only marginally slower than the standard model but emits lower emission of just 139g/km of CO2 while returning 53mpg. In June 2009 a second ECOnetic model was introduced which uses a 2.0 TDCi engine with 115bhp and returns 54mpg. In 2010 Ford added two new engines to its line-up - a new 237bhp version of the 2.0-litre turbo petrol EcoBoost engine and a new 197bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel. The 197bhp 2.2-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox is quite something. The engine is very refined and quiet making journeys relaxing. Performance figures are relative for this size of car - the petrol engine will get from zero-62mph in 7.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 144mph. While the 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel will complete the benchmark sprint in a time of 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph. The petrol unit tested was the 237bhp EcoBoost mated to an automatic six-speed PowerShift gearbox. There is plenty of pulling power 340Nm (and 360Nm when boost from the turbo is in use) and overtaking slower traffic on single-lane carriageways is completed with ease. View full gallery 4.5 out of 5 Handling All recent Fords have been superb to drive - a trait which the new Mondeo continues. It's a good compromise between a sporty and comfortable set-up. On twistier roads it corners superbly with excellent steering, little bodyroll and plenty of grip, while on the motorway it cruises serenely. It's also possible to specify adaptive suspension. At the push of a button, you can change the suspension from 'Normal' to 'Comfort' or 'Sport'. In practice, the standard set-up will be ideal for most drivers, so you're better off saving your money. However, if you want to drive enthusiastically, switch to Sport mode and the car becomes a little more responsive and the steering weights-up a little. View full gallery Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Ford Mondeo cars for sale We have 1,156 models like this for sale. Find Ford Mondeo cars for sale Previous: Equipment Next: Comfort